Antidepressants and Waivers

[jes0420]

Hi, i know that this has been answered in some form in other posts, however they are not very specific, and i am having a hard time finding an answer. I know that no one here can help me get a waiver or anything, just looking for some advice.
About 6 months ago for some reason i felt very unmotivated and crappy. For some reason i went to the doctor and i don't know if i was actually diagnosed with depression, but my doctor prescribed me with a mild antidepressant called Lexapro. My question is that if i get off of this and have it documented that i am free and clear by my doctor will i still need a waiver after 1 year? Thank you in advance for all your help.

[thewookie]

What did your recruiter say when you met with him?


I am meeting with my recruiter tomorrow to set up my plan. http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/showthread.php?p=730592#post730592


Sounds like you have a few issues.


Fat ass with a deadline.
Hi. I am 18 years old, 6'5" and i weigh 280. I need to get my weight down to about 225 real soon. Like 4 months. Lately i have been doing AM/PMs running a mile, pull ups, push ups, sit ups. Is there anything else i can do to lose weight and decrease my run time. I am enlisting at the end of this semester, and will probably be heading to Basic sometime mid summer. Please help, i am very motivated, and ready to work hard to get it off.


Good luck.

My two cent tip-o-the-day.... Spend less time inside on the computer and more time outside, sweating -- and you won't be fat and depressed.

[jes0420]

I aggree, i know that i have to be off the medication for at least a year, so that will give me plenty of time to get into shape, so obviously my deadline has been moved back. Im just wanting to know if it is still really hard to get waivers, and if you guys think it will get better any time soon. Thanks.

[Lisa 23]

Waivers are hard to come by these days. We're not recruiters, the folks at MEPS, or the ones who approve or disapprove waivers either........and if you're asking the Marines here if you are going to get any better from being depressed, we can't answer that, only YOU can.

Take Wookie's advice!!!

[jes0420]

I am NOT depressed. I just called my doctor and got it officially documented that i am not depressed and not on any medication for it. I have been working my a$$ off and am down 20 pounds in only 3 weeks. I also know that you can do nothing to help me get my waiver, that is why i said so in my first comment. I was simply looking for some insight.

And my appt with my recruiter fell through so i will have to wait till he comes back through town.

[Zulu 36]

I am NOT depressed. I just called my doctor and got it officially documented that i am not depressed and not on any medication for it. I have been working my a$$ off and am down 20 pounds in only 3 weeks. I also know that you can do nothing to help me get my waiver, that is why i said so in my first comment. I was simply looking for some insight.

And my appt with my recruiter fell through so i will have to wait till he comes back through town.


OK, keep working hard (don't starve yourself, eat sensibly and healthy). Recruiters liked to see people who want the Corps bad enough to change their lifestyle 180-degrees.

[Marine3451]

Meps is gonna want to know why you have a note saying your not depressed. When i feel crappy I PT. I know this is on the back of everyones mind but I'm going to ask it. If you went to the doctor to get lexapro because you where feeling sad what makes you think your going to make it thru a enviroment thats 100 times more stressfull than anything you have experianced. Your first 4 years in the Marines isn't exactly a walk in the park

[jes0420]

No $hit. I wasn't deppressed in the first place. I'm not asking for a walk in the park. I know it will be more stressful than i can possibly imagine. I was prescribed lexapro because i was sleep deprived and the doctor thought i was depressed. I fully expect boot camp and the 4 years afterwards to be the most challenging thing i have ever done.

[Lisa 23]

No $hit. I wasn't deppressed in the first place. I'm not asking for a walk in the park. I know it will be more stressful than i can possibly imagine. I was prescribed lexapro because i was sleep deprived and the doctor thought i was depressed. I fully expect boot camp and the 4 years afterwards to be the most challenging thing i have ever done.

Hey there young man, I'd watch your tone when responding back to Marines.
You come on a Marine Corps site asking questions, and you don't like the answers you're getting....well, to bad.
Either suck it up and deal with what answers you're given, or move along to another site.

[jes0420]

Why do you automatically assume that i am being disrespectful with my responses? I mean no disrespect, I am simply frustrated because i have come across yet another obstacle in achieving my goal. Again, no disrespect, just frustration. And i know what you are going to say "being in the Marine Corps is even more frustrating." I know that. Thank you for the help.

[Marine3451]

No $hit. I wasn't deppressed in the first place. I'm not asking for a walk in the park. I know it will be more stressful than i can possibly imagine. I was prescribed lexapro because i was sleep deprived and the doctor thought i was depressed. I fully expect boot camp and the 4 years afterwards to be the most challenging thing i have ever done.

See now you changing your story. In you first post you said you where given lexapro because you where feelining unmotavated and crappy and now it sleep depravation. I am familar with what lexapro is and it not sleep medication nor would a doctor perscribe it as such. You may not want to hear it but it is a judge of charicter that you actually went to a doctor for any of those 2 when you you could have 1. Got more sleep and 2. Be happy or atleast dont let things get you down. I know this sounds hard but I've personally head to deal with Marines that use the doctor as a crutch when they don't need it because when the going get tuff they ran to mentel health sick call and the chaplan. Prove me wrong

[jes0420]

If you are familiar with lexapro and depression then you should also know that one common side effect of sleep depravation is simulated depression. Also you should know that Lexapro is one of the few antidepressants that does not screw with your sleep. Maybe you should think a bout getting your facts straight before scolding someone else for something you clearly don't understand.

[thewookie]

If you are familiar with lexapro and depression then you should also know that one common side effect of sleep depravation is simulated depression. Also you should know that Lexapro is one of the few antidepressants that does not screw with your sleep. Maybe you should think a bout getting your facts straight before scolding someone else for something you clearly don't understand.


I saw trouble from the getgo.

Go away.

[Lisa 23]

How to use Lexapro Oral


Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking escitalopram and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning or evening. Take it at the same time each day. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start taking this drug at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Do not take more or less medication or take it more frequently than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as nervousness, headache (http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/default.htm), numbness, tingling, trouble sleeping, confusion) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication.

To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.
It may take 1 to 2 weeks to feel a benefit from this drug and 4 weeks to feel the full benefit of this medication. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.



Lexapro Oral Side Effects


See also Warning section.
Nausea (http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-nausea-vomiting), dry mouth, trouble sleeping, constipation (http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-constipation), tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness (http://www.webmd.com/brain/tc/dizziness-lightheadedness-and-vertigo-topic-overview), or increased sweating may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusual or severe mental/mood changes (such as confusion, difficulty concentrating, nervousness, unusual high energy/excitement, rare thoughts of suicide), decreased interest in sex, changes in sexual ability.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: easy bruising/bleeding, muscle weakness/cramps, change in the amount of urine.

Get medical help right away if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: bloody/black/tarry stools, fainting (http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/fainting), vomit that looks like coffee grounds, seizures.

This medication may rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome (http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/serotonin-syndrome-causes-symptoms-treatments). The risk increases when this medication is used with certain other drugs (see Drug Interactions section). Get medical help right away if you develop some of the following symptoms: hallucinations, unusual restlessness, loss of coordination, fast heartbeat, severe dizziness, unexplained fever (http://children.webmd.com/tc/fever-age-4-and-older-topic-overview), severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea (http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-diarrhea), twitching (http://www.webmd.com/brain/tic-disorders-and_twitches) muscles.

Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours. If this occurs, stop using this drug and get medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur.

A very serious allergic reaction (http://www.webmd.com/allergies/tc/allergic-reaction-topic-overview) to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash (http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/rash-age-12-and-older-topic-overview), itching (http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/default.htm)/swelling (especially of the face/tongue (http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/picture-of-the-tongue)/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing (http://www.webmd.com/lung/breathing-problems-causes-tests-treatments).
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.


Lexapro Oral Warnings


Antidepressant (http://www.webmd.com/depression/depression-medications-antidepressants) medications (http://www.webmd.com/drugs/index-drugs.aspx) are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression (http://www.webmd.com/depression/default.htm) and other mental/mood disorders (http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mood-disorders). These medications can help prevent suicidal (http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/tc/suicidal-thoughts-or-threats-topic-overview) thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication (especially for people younger than 25), even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition.
Tell the doctor immediately if you notice worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety (http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/default.htm), panic attacks (http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/default.htm), trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-63990-Lexapro+Oral.aspx?drugid=63990&drugname=Lexapro+Oral

[jes0420]

OK... Thanks, i guess. I have a computer with access to webmd too. All i was asking in this thread was if you thought that it would be really difficult to get a waiver. Now for some reason it has turned into wether or not i would make it in the Corps. Bye the way. Softball, are you a doctor? I didn't think so.

[Lisa 23]

Me....a doctor, never said I was.


I know some people who take Lexapro, and they don't take it for sleep deprivation. There are other medications for that.

Your question was asked and answered on a waiver....we don't know. We're not the folks from MEPS, nor are we the ones who will either approve or disapprove a waiver if one is required. This is something you will just have to find out in talking with your recruiter and going through the process of MEPS yourself.

[Marine3451]

OK... Thanks, i guess. I have a computer with access to webmd too. All i was asking in this thread was if you thought that it would be really difficult to get a waiver. Now for some reason it has turned into wether or not i would make it in the Corps. Bye the way. Softball, are you a doctor? I didn't think so We have given you the rope and you have hung yourself. My BS detector is going crazy right now. You have more holes in your story than swiss cheese. Why are you being questioned because Marines have zero tolerance for BS. I pity you if you do fall thru the cracks with your attitude because some NCO is going to jack up your world if you dont wash out of Boot Camp. Go join the Army where they have stress cards you won't last ten second in the Marine before you pee all over yourself. Now say Aye Corporal and be on you way.

[jes0420]

Whatever. Im done. Just know that you are gonna feel really stupid when i eventually post my Boot Camp grad pictures on here. Thanks for all the helpful insight you have given me.

[Zulu 36]

Whatever. Im done. Just know that you are gonna feel really stupid when i eventually post my Boot Camp grad pictures on here. Thanks for all the helpful insight you have given me.


Here's my last word on this thread: Develop a thicker skin if you seriously want to be a Marine. I often point out to wanna-be's that being a Marine is a contact sport, both figuratively and literally. The Marines on this thread are being orders of magnitude nicer than Drill Instructors.

You started a poorly written thread, then answered return questions in an ambiguous (and borderline disrespectful) manner, which only exacerbated the evident communication gap between you and us. SoftballCatch is a pro at finding the medical requirements for Marine service on-line. Ears, Open. Eyeballs, Click.

Also, something else you should know about many of the Marines here: We take all kinds of meds for various problems, usually caused by military service and/or old age. Some of us were/are paramedics/nurses/corpsmen/ PA's/long-term hospital patients. You would be surprised to learn what we know about things medical.

[Phantom Blooper]

I'm Depressed Just Reading This Shiat!

I Better Go Take Some More Meds!

[Old Marine]

OK... Thanks, i guess. I have a computer with access to webmd too. All i was asking in this thread was if you thought that it would be really difficult to get a waiver. Now for some reason it has turned into wether or not i would make it in the Corps. Bye the way. Softball, are you a doctor? I didn't think so.

Let me give you some advise young wanna be. You come in here asking questions and these Marines gave you their advise. End of story. Now go away and get your head, body and any other problems squared away before you get to Boot Camp and become some Drill Instructor's poblem. Said Drill Instructor will only put up with your snottyness for about 1 second and you will be dropped to another platoon or maybe even back to receiving.

[Casedizzy2821]

Whatever. Im done. Just know that you are gonna feel really stupid when i eventually post my Boot Camp grad pictures on here. Thanks for all the helpful insight you have given me.

#1 go to the effing recruiter and ask, holy crap

#2 please request Miramar as your duty station so I can haze the $hit out of you when you get here.

I really hope boot camp knocks the crap out of your attitude, but it probably won't. You'll revert back to the same piece of crap emo f@g that you are now. You'll be a malingering little b1tch blaming others for your problems.